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Samsung announces Galaxy Mega handsets

Samsung has added two massive smartphones to its Galaxy range. The Mega 6.3, which Samsung has stated is UK bound, will be the largest smartphone to date with its 6.3″ display. The smaller (but still large in terms of smartphones) Galaxy Mega 5.8 is not set to come to the UK.

The main features of the Mega 6.3 include:

6.3″ Display

1.7 GHz dual-core processor

Android 4.2 Jelly Bean

8MP rear camera, 1.9MP front camera

Removable battery

MicroSD slot

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC

Only 8mm thick

The release of these two massive handsets will further blur the lines between smartphone and tablet. Samsung has been bold in offering larger screen devices and this pushes the boundaries even further.

Initially the Galaxy Note picked up a lot of criticism for its size and that was with a screen that’s an entire inch smaller than the Galaxy Mega 6.3. However, for those that need the functionality of a large screen more frequently than telephone capability, large devices can be an attractive option.

In terms of features, the new devices buck the trend that a larger display means higher specs. This puts them at mid-range, which should mean that a larger display is available at a more affordable price. Design wise they take the looks of the Samsung Galaxy S3/Note 2 and also include some of its software features, such as WatchOn (TV remote) and split screen for multi-tasking.

Here’s a look at the images and main features for the Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3. You can find the press release and more detailed specs for both devices after the cut.

Press Release

SEOUL, Korea, April 11, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the Samsung GALAXY Mega, a device that combines the portability and convenience of a smartphone with the power, multitasking capabilities and extensive viewing experience of a tablet. The newest addition to the GALAXY family balances an optimal viewing experience on a 6.3-inch HD screen, yet is ultra-thin and portable enough to put into a pocket or hold in one hand. The GALAXY Mega offers a mix of popular smartphone and tablet features such as an effortless user experience, a split screen, multitasking between video and other apps and more.

“We are aware of a great potential in the bigger screen for extensive viewing multimedia, web browsing, and more,” said JK Shin, CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Business, Samsung Electronics. “We are excited to provide another choice to meet our consumers’ varying lifestyles, all while maintaining the high-quality features of the award-winning GALAXY series.”

Best of Both Worlds

The GALAXY Mega is an ideal choice for customers who want to get the most out of one device that brings great quality at an even greater value. With a 6.3-inch HD LCD screen with landscape mode support, the GALAXY Mega enables an exceptional widescreen view for various applications including web browsing, video, and SNS.

The GALAXY Mega is also light and thin for incredible portability and easy, convenient mobile phone use. Customers can stay connected with a variety of new phone features including:

• ‘Group Play’: Enables easy content sharing for up to 8 devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
• ‘Samsung WatchON’: Transforms into an IR remote controller for a richer TV experience. Connect the device to your home entertainment system, and it will provide program recommendations, schedules, and even remotely control your TV.
• ‘Samsung Link’: Easily streams photos, videos, notes, or music to your television, tablet or computer.
• ‘S Translator’: Say or text what you need translated into the GALAXY Mega, and it will provide instant translation, using text or voice translation on applications including email, and ChatON.
• ‘ChatON’: Share what’s on your screen with friends to stay more connected

Productivity and Multimedia for the Multi-Tasker

GALAXY Mega users will accomplish more with the rich, interactive experience and increased usability of the widescreen mode. Split screen capability for a variety of applications including email, messages, ‘MyFiles,’ ‘S Memo,’ ‘S Planner’, and more, makes for increased efficiency. With the popular ‘Air View’ feature, customers can preview information in emails, photos in Gallery, and speed dial contacts.

The GALAXY Mega is equipped with an enhanced 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with a 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera, along with a variety of camera modes including ‘Drama Shot’(merging continuous shots of a moving object), ‘Sound & Shot’ (captures 9 seconds of sound and voice together as the picture is taken to capture moments), ‘Rich tone,’ ‘Sports’ and more. The device also packs various newly-introduced features for endless entertainment, including:

• ‘S Travel’: Provides trip information, local guides and resources and more
• ‘Story Album’: Allows customers to create albums of daily events, keep special moments in one place using a timeline, geo-tag information and publish digital albums in hard copy

For users seeking the same great tablet features with even more portability, Samsung is introducing the GALAXY Mega 5.8. This more compact version features a 5.8-inch screen.

Both GALAXY Mega 6.3 and 5.8 run on the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean experience, and feature Dual Core Processor, spacious internal storage along with up to 64GB of expandable memory to store favorite apps, music, videos, photos and more. The devices’ advanced software also facilitates more efficient processor use for improved battery life, meaning users can enjoy longer talk time and multimedia use.

The GALAXY Mega will be available globally beginning May from Europe and Russia. The product availability varies by market and will be rolled out gradually